3. Burundi won a gold medal in 1996 for the first time in Olympic history. In doing so, it became the poorest country ever to win an Olympic gold medal. The prestigious medal was won by Burundi’s runner Venuste Niyongabo in the 5000-meter race. Ironically, it has never won a regional title at the African Games.

4. Group jogging is banned in Burundi. In 2014, the country’s president banned the activity, citing the reason that such walks can help people plan subversive (anti-government) activities.

5. Due to farming and overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion are becoming concerns for the population of the country.

6. The first election in the country took place on September 8, 1961.

7. Before independence, the country was named Ruanda-Urundi.

8. There are only two coffee-processing plants in Burundi. One is located in the capital, and the other is in Gitega.

#9. Melchior Ndadaye became the nation’s first Hutu ruler when he was elected as the president in 1993.